18 Jun 2008 Though I was not able to serve in the Military due to medical problems I am proud of the contribution my cousin, Pfc Robert K Horspool, made for his family and country. My family and his lived within a half a mile of each other and we attended the same elementary and junior high schools in Ogden, Utah. I spent a fair amount of time with Bobby (as we all knew him) and his family when my mom had various surgeries and delivered by younger siblings. I felt close to Bobby and have very many good memories growing up with him. My last memory of him alive was when his family came over to our house at Christmas time 1967. I wish I could have spent more time with him prior to his shipping out to do his patriotic duty. From a cousin, Craig A Hansen ligercat1952@yahoo.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 1968 Tet Offensive began at the end of January, but heavy fighting continued throughout the spring. The 1/5 Marines' After Action Report for Operation HOUSTON contains the following entry: "310230H - Company A, bridge security elements at YD949069 and YD967064 came under heavy 82mm mortar fire from enemy positions at YD968066 and YD949701. The mortar barrage was followed by an intense ground assault from an estimated 150 NVA at each friendly position. Enemy utilized small arms, automatic weapons, and B-40 rockets in the attack. The position at YD949069 was overrun and the bridge blown. Results: 15 USMC KIA, 31 USMC WIAE, 27 USMC WIANE, 1 NBCE, 61 NVA KIA confirmed and 1 POW." The two Marine positions were the security posts on the north and south banks of the Truoi River guarding the Highway 1 Bridge, located about 11 kilometers southeast of the Phu Bai airfield complex. Bravo 1/5 provided a reaction force which arrived too late to save the bridge but did succeed in preventing a slaughter of the wounded Marines in the over-run northern position. The 14 Marines and 1 sailor who died at the Truoi River Bridge were A Company, 1/5 Marines Cpl Walter W. Rosolie, Rosedale, NY (Silver Star) LCpl Charles D. Miller, Wewoka, OK Pfc Richard Garcia, San Antonio, TX Pfc Robert K. Horspool, Ogden, UT Pfc Gerald L. Johnson, Mojave, CA Pfc Richard F. Links, Noank, CT Pfc Kevin W. Moore, Milwaukee, WI Pfc William R. Neal, Amarillo, TX B Company, 1/5 Marines Pfc Edward T. Stone, Dorchester, MA H&S Company, 1/5 Marines (with A/1/5) Cpl Arthur C. McLellan, Terryville, CT HM3 Steven R. Wolter, Hilo, HI LCpl Erasmo Palos, Eagle Pass, TX Pfc Thomas J. Kovacevich, Detroit, MI Pfc Walter R. Riggs, Moorpark, CA Pfc Thomas P. Sweeney, Ashburnham, MA

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